25-year-old Delmas native carries Haitian flag and pride to Milano Cortina 2026, making Haiti visible on the global snow stage
Milano Cortina, Italy – February 8, 2026 Haiti made history once again at the Winter Olympics today. Stevenson Savart, the 25-year-old cross-country skier born in Delmas, became the first Haitian athlete ever to compete in an Olympic cross-country event, crossing the finish line in 64th place out of 75 starters in the men’s 10km + 10km skiathlon with a time of 56:52.8 (+10:41.8 behind the winner).
The achievement is even more powerful given the context: Haiti is fielding its largest-ever Winter Olympic delegation , just two athletes with Savart joining alpine skier Richardson Viano (who debuted at Beijing 2022). Two days earlier, on February 6, Savart proudly carried Haiti’s flag during the Parade of Nations at the Opening Ceremony in Predazzo, becoming the nation’s flagbearer and symbolizing resilience on the world stage.
Raised in France after being adopted by a French family at age 3, Savart has spoken openly about the deep motivation he draws from representing Haiti. In a pre-Games interview with Olympics.com, he said: “We have to be taken seriously.”
He acknowledged the steep competition but stressed the symbolic weight: “Having Haiti visible will give me even more energy.”
The crowd responded with loud cheers when his name echoed through the venues, a moment captured and shared widely by official Olympic channels: “HAITI’S HERE! Stevenson Savart becomes Haiti’s first cross-country skier to participate in the #WinterOlympics, and the crowd goes wild.”
For a country still grappling with severe challenges at home — including gang violence, displacement, and political transition — Savart’s participation is a powerful reminder of Haitian excellence, determination, and global presence. His debut, alongside Viano’s return, elevates Haiti’s visibility in winter sports and inspires a new generation.
L’Union Suite celebrates Stevenson Savart and the entire Haitian delegation. Your courage and pride shine bright on the snow.
Ayiti kanpe. Always.
